Vaisakhi in Trafalgar Square Sunday 3 May 2009 12pm – 5.30pm Trafalgar Square London WC2N 5DP Admission: Free

Londoners and the capital's visitors are invited to join London's Sikh community for this year's Vaisakhi celebrations in Trafalgar Square on Sunday 3 May. The free event marks the Sikh New Year and is organised by Vaisakhi in London Committee with support from the Mayor of London. The day will include performances of traditional music, including Shabad Kirtin (religious hymns), as well as contemporary Asian music and dance and DJs from Sunrise Radio.

Awards will be presented to young achievers from the Sikh community for their achievements in the arts, sport and education or for the contribution they have made to their community. Vegetarian food prepared by the Sikh community will be offered to people attending. London Mayor Boris Johnson says: 'Greetings and best wishes to London's Sikh community, whose values such as equality, generosity, mutual respect and tolerance, are ones we all should share. As with all events in Trafalgar Square, this is a celebration for all, regardless of your background. Have a great day.'

Deputy Mayor of London Richard Barnes is due to speak at the celebrations, which are also commemorating 300 years of the consecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru.

Richard Barnes says: 'London's Sikh community continues to play an important role in London's cultural life and economy. Vaisakhi, the Sikh New Year, is the holiest day for over 20 million Sikhs worldwide and its message about promoting friendship and mutual respect is of particular relevance to this great city of ours. Everyone is welcome to attend Vaisakhi in the Square, so I hope you will join us on the day.'

PROGRAMME (subject to change)
12pm - Shabad Kirtin (religious hymns)
2.15pm - Live music, dance, guest artists and DJs from Sunrise Radio
3pm-4pm - Speeches and presentations
3.30pm - Live music and dance
5.30pm - Event ends

About Vaisakhi

Vaisakhi, the Sikh New Year, is the holiest day of the calendar for over 20 million Sikhs worldwide. It is celebrated on 13 April each year. On this day in 1699, Sikhism was born as a collective faith. Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th Master of the Sikhs, initiated the Sikhs as the Khalsa or the pure and sincere. He bound the Sikhs to a strict code of conduct and, with unshorn hair, beard and turban, gave the Sikhs a distinct identity.